Celebrate National Vegetarian Week with the Vegetarian for Life Care Award

National Vegetarian Week, starting on 1 October 2024, is the perfect opportunity for care homes across the UK to celebrate and enrich the lives of older vegans and vegetarians.

The Vegetarian for Life Care Award offers grants of up to £1,000 to support care settings that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for their vegan and vegetarian residents.

Dr. Barbara Sharp, Chair of Vegetarian for Life, emphasises the potential of this grant: “We’re excited to support initiatives that make a real difference for older vegans and vegetarians. Whether you’re thinking about hosting a themed event, introducing regular plant-based meals, or creating a special life story project, we’re open to all kinds of proposals. Big or small, every idea that enhances the quality of life for these residents is welcome.”

How care homes can mark National Vegetarian Week

Here are some creative ways care homes can use the Care Award funding to celebrate National Vegetarian Week:

1. Host a themed event: Organise a special event that celebrates plant-based living. This could be a vegan cooking class, a tasting event featuring local vegan dishes, or a mini festival with activities and entertainment centred around veganism and vegetarianism.
2. Launch ‘Meat-Free Mondays’: Introduce ‘Meat-Free Mondays’ as a regular feature in your care home’s dining schedule. Use the grant to create delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian meals that residents will look forward to each week.
3. Collaborate with local caterers: Partner with local vegan or vegetarian caterers to provide a special afternoon tea or takeaway meals for residents. This can add a touch of excitement and variety to their dining experience.
4. Develop life story projects: Use the grant to create life story books or projects that highlight the personal experiences and values of residents related to veganism or vegetarianism. This could include interviews, personal anecdotes, and reflections on how their dietary choices have shaped their lives. Find out more in this How to Record Life Stories: 5-Steps Guide. 
5. Organise educational workshops: Host workshops or talks about the benefits and values of veganism and vegetarianism. Invite guest speakers or local experts to share their knowledge and engage residents in meaningful discussions. Vegetarian for Life would be delighted to help.
6. Create a Plant-Based Recipe Book: Compile a recipe book featuring favourite vegan and vegetarian recipes from residents. This can be a wonderful keepsake and a way to celebrate their culinary preferences.

Applying for the Care Award

The Vegetarian for Life Care Award is designed to support care homes with innovative ideas that enhance the lives of older vegans and vegetarians. Grants range from £25 to £1,000, and applications are assessed based on their potential impact.

To apply, or for more information, please contact us at 0161 257 0887 or email info@vegetrianforlife.org.uk. You can also request an application form through these contacts.

Why It matters

At Vegetarian for Life, we believe that veganism and vegetarianism are more than just dietary choices – they are integral to a person’s identity and quality of life. By marking National Vegetarian Week with meaningful activities and projects, you can show your commitment to supporting the values and preferences of your residents.

Join us in celebrating National Vegetarian Week and apply for the Care Award to make a positive impact in your care home. Let’s work together to ensure that older vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a fulfilling and respectful care experience.

For more ideas and inspiration, read our ‘Celebrating Vegetarianism and Veganism’ guide | Vegetarian for Life or contact us directly. We’re here to support you in making National Vegetarian Week a special and memorable occasion for your residents.